This study provides robust evidence that higher investor relations (IR) quality goes in tandem with enhanced ESG ratings. Building on the extensive data from an established investor relations award in Germany, covering the largest listed firms between 2014 and 2022, we use both panel-data and two-stage least-squares regressions to analyze the effect of IR quality on ESG ratings. Our results hold true for various robustness checks. Moreover, not only do our results introduce a suitable measure for IR quality, but they also demonstrate the relevance of IR quality as an additional determinant of ESG performance measured by rating agencies. Finally, our results provide practical guidelines to firms struggling with their ESG ratings by providing reasoning that investing in higher IR quality eventually meets with success.

This paper investigates the emerging potential of metaverse technology and the diverse opportunities it presents for companies across industries. Although the metaverse remains in its nascent stages, its swift evolution has introduced a broad spectrum of use cases that hold significant promise for businesses. However, despite the evident potential, there remains a limited understanding of how metaverse technology can be effectively applied to benefit business operations and strategy. To address this gap, this study employs a scoping review methodology, systematically collecting and analyzing data from academic literature, publicly available sources, and company websites. The comprehensive review identified 101 distinct use cases of metaverse technology, which were subsequently categorized into three primary application fields: developing new product and service offerings, enhancing customer experience, and optimizing internal business processes. These findings not only provide a compelling rationale for companies contemplating the adoption of metaverse technology but also represent the first extensive exploration of its applications across diverse fields and industries. The study offers valuable insights that are crucial for both academic researchers and business practitioners who are keen to understand and leverage the transformative potential of the metaverse. By mapping out the current landscape of metaverse applications, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how companies can harness this technology to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and create new value propositions in an increasingly immersive and interconnected world.

The paper aims to examinate how an integrative understanding of sustainability (IUS), measured by sustainability integrated into a company's strategy, business model, and top management affects overall financial performance. This makes the study one of the first to take a holistic approach to the integration of sustainability based on previous research and new regulatory requirements from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The study evaluates both top line effects (e.g., sales growth) and bottom line effects (e.g., return on assets). To control for any potential endogenous nature of the sustainability-firm performance nexus, we used a two-stage least square estimator with an instrumental variable of the industry mean. We also utilised a Heckman selection process. The study bases on a German sample from 2017 to 2022 in order to observe sustainability integration effects during this period. The results indicate that an IUS supports better bottom line performance, but not necessarily stronger sales growth. Specifically, the strongest evidence is in support of integrating sustainability into strategy, management board, and business model simultaneously. In the end, the study contributes to the literature, theory, methodology, and practices in various ways.

Adopting AI-based solutions is now widely regarded as an essential consideration in organisations’ innovation strategies. For healthcare institutions, such solutions are an especially promising means to address societal and organisational challenges, including rising demand combined with shortages of qualified staff. The technology may enhance the efficiency of, for example, detecting diseases and planning treatments, which are time-consuming when executed manually. However, empirical research related to how AI can be effectively adopted in healthcare to harness these opportunities remains scarce. To address this gap, we conduct an exploratory multiple case study comprising 13 cases in the radiotherapy domain. Taking over an adoption theory perspective, we uncover that organisational, environmental, technological and individual factors are decisive for effective adoption of AI and contribute to the emergence of efficiency gains and standardisation. Our analysis reveals that organisational factors such as pursuing a dedicated innovation strategy within the radiotherapy department as well as a holistic AI implementation strategy are most crucial. In determining and relating the identified relevant factors, we contribute to adoption theory and AI-enabled value creation in healthcare. Further, we advise managers of healthcare institutions on how to effectively adopt AI to overcome challenges at organisational and societal levels.

Für Aktionäre gewinnen Nachhaltigkeitsthemen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Als Reaktion darauf haben zahlreiche Unternehmen ihre Nachhaltigkeitsberichtserstattung in den letzten Jahren kontinuierlich erweitert. Rund ein Drittel der Unternehmen integriert nichtfinanzielle Leistungsindikatoren bereits in das unternehmensweite Steuerungssystem, um Nachhaltigkeit fest in der Unternehmensstrategie zu verankern. Für das Geschäftsjahr 2023 liegt der Prüfungsschwerpunkt der BaFin unter anderem auf der Darstellung des Steuerungssystems in den Konzernabschlüssen. Vor diesem Hintergrund gibt der vorliegende Beitrag einen aktuellen Einblick über die nichtfinanziellen Leistungsindikatoren, die in den Steuerungssystemen der Unternehmen des DAX, MDAX und SDAX integriert sind. Die Analyse zeigt, dass dort vor allem die Themen Klimawandel und eigene Belegschaft bereits berücksichtigt werden.